Volunteer - Humane Animal Dispatch

HAD Team
Forcewide
Volunteer
As and when required
Volunteer

Could you make a difference assisting the police in the safe and humane dispatching of injured animals?

The successful candidate will respond to requests from the Police to attend and dispatch injured animals at the roadside.

Applicants must hold a Firearms and Shotgun Certificate.

Successful applicants will have their FAC endorsed with clear condition authorising their use for ‘humane dispatching of animals as required by Thames Valley Police’

Applicants must hold personal vehicle insurance with ‘Business’ use, for when engaged in Humane Animal Dispatch.

Essential Qualifications:

  • Must hold a current Firearms and Shotgun Certificate
  • Holder of a DMQ HAD Award or equivalent HAD qualification, recognised by UK Police Forces – If the successful applicant does not hold this qualification they must attend and successfully pass an endorsed course (at their own expense of approx. £150)
  • Must hold a full UK driving licence and have the use of an appropriate personal vehicle, suitable to respond to a humane animal dispatch call outs. Vehicle must have ‘Business insurance’
  • If successful during the initial recruitment process, if you don’t hold an existing HAD qualification that is recognised and accepted by TVP, you will be required to complete additional training before proceeding further. Training will likely take place in late June, and at present, unless external funding can be sourced in time, prospective volunteers will need to complete this training at their own expense.

 

If you have any questions please email: tvphadteams@thamesvalley.police.uk.

 

Please use Google Chrome when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance. 

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is 30 November 2025

Please note this vacancy will be removed once sufficient candidates have been sourced.

As a volunteer within the police service, you will be subjected to a level of police vetting. The level will be dependent upon the role and it’s access requirements. With the higher levels of vetting, applicants could be asked to provide details of family members, partner, partner’s parents and co-residents, as well as additional information regarding their own personal circumstances. This process is required to ensure that Thames Valley Police comply with the legislation of the Vetting Code of Practice

Whilst we endeavour to complete all vetting within 30 working days of receipt of vetting forms, unfortunately this is not always the case due to operational demand and back-logs, and could take considerably longer.

If you have any concerns or queries regarding your application please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

 

 

At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities.  Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission.  As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.

Working Smart.  You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day.  In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce. 

Supporting You.  Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do.  Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives.  We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card.  Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.

Developing You.  We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential. 

Vetting.  All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.